JOAN ELIZABETH MCLAREN

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JOAN ELIZABETH MCLAREN Peacefully, at her home, Joan passed away on December 8, 2009. Born July 29, 1932 in Dauphin, MB, Joan was the first-born child of Jack and Lottie McLaren (nee Campbell). She is survived by her children, Chris and partner Lynda, Lori and husband Manny and daughter Brenda and partner Wayne. She will be especially missed by her dear friend Judith Deatrich. Joan also leaves her sister Patricia and husband Doug Bassett from Gilbert Plains MB, brother-in-law Daryl Hill and sister-in-law Heather McLaren as well as seven grandchildren, Tricia, Jamie, Jessica and Jody, Kevin, Steven and Alexandra and as well as nieces, nephews, family members and many friends. Joan was predeceased by her sister Judy Hill, brother Don McLaren, nephew Kelly Bassett and niece Leah Hill. Joan was an excellent student and earned her teaching degree at a young age. She began teaching in a one room school house and taught many Manitobans over the years from all grades. She worked at Gordon Bell High School and many elementary schools over the years, taught university courses, and did further training and teaching with her business, McLaren Research and Consulting. She obtained her Ph.D. in Administrative Studies and worked for the Manitoba Department of Education and Red River Community College before taking retirement. However, Joan never retired, but continued to teach others, founding her consulting business, and training to become a family counsellor. Joan also taught Tarot and gave Tarot card readings throughout her life, creating many friends with a similar passion. She received a Woman of Distinction Award while working at Red River Community College and many other awards throughout her lifetime. She loved to dance and was often at Royal Canadian Legion functions and other dances. In her later years she took up painting as a hobby. Joan was always inquisitive about life and well-read about all the things that mattered to her. She was a focused business person, a loving parent and a generous friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.ca. A Celebration of Joan's life will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Neil Bardal Funeral Home, 3030 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2009